bedult1

Hello,

I'm in the market for an SUV and I'm quite interested in a 2009 or 2010 ML Bluetec. I come from the Audi world so I'm familiar with the German cars, especially the amazing drivability and the need for a little more maintenance than most vehicles

I just have a few questions about the Canadian version of the ML...

Is there a significant difference in packages/standard features/problems between the 2009 and 2010 models?

Do both come with run-flat tires? I still can't wrap my head around not having a spare tire.

Km's per tank?

Would you take any one over the other?

Thank you very very much,

Mike

zemun1234

With all respect, if you go through this forum, you can find the most answers regarding problems (first) and features (second) or Google is your friend.

As for km/tank, I would say ~ 700 km (95 l tank and before you fill, you can use ~ 88 l x 10-12 lit etc.).

bedult1

Thanks for the gas mileage. That was one of the things I was most interested in. I have done my math based off of some numbers I found on various websites but I really wanted real world Canadian numbers.

I've spent quite a few hours searching the forums but I seem to find conflicting information regarding the run flats. Some people are saying that they come with run flats and include a small spare with a pump and some say that it doesn't have either. Just thought I'd ask my fellow Canadians what their cars were equipped with.

Mike

zemun1234

If you can afford, go with 2010 model - at least it is the second year of Bluetec with liquid As for run flat, it is good feature (when you need it) but you are going pay higher price for tires and limited selection. If any chance, try to avoid it ...

I think you can find answer for the most of your questions here ..you are going put 40,000$ in hole and you should investigate more - not trust any board etc

houseofdiesel

Fuel econony is astounding, better then it should be (exceeds ratings, I can easily go 1100kms on 80L), 2010 came with HID headlights standard I think, paddle shifters instead of tiny switches on steering wheel, mostly minor trim related stuff. I am more familar with R class vs ML but i think the changes were accross all three models (R, GL ML). Runflats are very expensive to buy ($400 each) and limited selection of tires just do a bit of research, and snow tire runflats even worse to find. I stuck with the CDI (2008) to avoid the bluetec expense and runflat costs, I am trying to save not spend!

DC-IT

My 2011 ML350BT doesn't have run-flat tire.
I bought the wheel + tire warranty and recently had to replace one and the total cost was $478.11 for the 265/45R20 (covered under the warranty).
The net cost of the tire is $371.93 + labour/balancing/valve & taxes.
For my Winter tires I use 235/65R17.

My real world FE is around 850 KM/tank.

bedult1

Awesome...thank you everyone for the valuable information.

newbieML320BT

If you choose to replace the runflats with 'regular' tires, what do you do about the lack of spare tire ?


Do you simply place a donut in the trunk....? Does this not affect insurance if you are using parts that are not 'made' for the vehicle or does this not apply?


This is a major issue for us and we are trying to find a way around it (other than going to an 08). We are interested in the 2009 ML 320 Bluetec.


Thanks all!

Gentrypwc

We've owned a 2007 ML320 CDI and currently own a 2010 ML350 Bluetec. I've had no issues with the 2010's run flat tires and getting replacements here in the US cost $250 a tire (not $400); which is @ the same cost as a regular tire for a vehicle of this type. Both the 2009 and 2010 models have an 8 gallon ADBLUE tank where the spare tire would go. There isn't room to place a donut tire there, so if you run normal tires then you run the risk of a flat with no spare. In Canada, there are two extra accessories in the trunk that the US models don't get. See page 27 of the ML350 owner's manual and you will see an electric air pump and tire fit kit pictured. The ADBLUE fluid refill is an easy and inexpensive job you can do yourself. Our 2007 ML320 CDI was at 140,000 miles and going strong before it was rear-ended and totaled. We had no major repairs on that car and intended to keep it well over 200K miles. I commute over 60 miles daily in my 2010 and get 26 mpg in mixed traffic and 29mpg on exteded highway trips. The upgrades in the 2010 versus our older 2007 made a large difference (better steering wheel controls, paddle shifters, bluetooth handsfree phone, voice activated navigation, and the list goes on). Either the 2009 or 2010 will serve you well if you do your due dilegence to find a well maintained model that's been serviced regularly by a professional. I wil likely replace our 2010 ML with a 2012 GL deisel this coming year.